Need advice on small buffer
- Thread starter JC Daniel
- Start date
anotheridiot
Member
Harbor freight has a 3" air polisher, pretty nice action, really good for headlight plastic.
Jim C
Oldtimer
you failed to mention if you were looking for air or electric. most small buffers in the 3-4" range are air. i have had a few small air buffers over the years and there is one that is hands down the best mini buffer made. i have had mine for 10+ years. only drawback is cost. it will last you a lifetime though.
https://www17.dynabrade.com/view-product.php?mn=51400
https://www17.dynabrade.com/view-product.php?mn=51400
Jim C
Oldtimer
well if you are in a shop environment and always have air available then no question i would go air. its going to be 1/4 the size, way lighter and easier to get into tight areas. if your out on the road where you might not have air available then elec will be a must unless you go with that cordless that aae posted. that looks like a nice piece. only drawback is you need to keep up on charging batteries. really depends on how much you use it and for how long.
AAE
Learner
I have two XC batteries. I've never run out of juice. It has a sanding mode that is really aggressive. I usually use that then switch to the polishing mode.
John Long
Member
I have done no customer work for years so my durability needs are different than those who are using their tools daily. With that said, my little 3" HF buffer has been very easy to use, held up well, and cost about $30 bucks. No $300 dollar buffer would polish paint any brighter.
John
John
Chris_Hamilton
Trying to be the best me, I can be
JC, I'd have to buff all day every day with it to justify the $550+ price on that Dynabrade. Honestly unless you are doing small motorcycle parts all the time you won't use it much. I just change backup pads and buffs to the Hex-Logic 5.5" inch pad when I need something smaller. Buffed for years with just a standard buffer and standard size pads.
Jim C
Oldtimer
lol it is an expensive piece for sure. no doubt about that. i havent looked in a few years, im sure you can pick it up cheaper BUT its still going to be pricey. mid 4's maybe. i got mine years ago. i will admit i dont use it everyday but looking back it was money well spent. i used to have one of the pistol grip ones that are fairly common and i got frustrated with those. the dynabrade is balanced really well and just feels right in your hand. if your just looking to use it to buff the occasional dust nib then thats one thing and like chris i dont think i could justify the price for it. if your actually going to buff small parts with it and have it in your hand often for more than a couple min at a time then i cant recommend the dyna enough. they do make other buffers as well that are cheaper but that is the real industrial duty one and the price shows it. i was watching discovery one day and it had something to do with a gm production line. i actually saw they had that exact buffer hanging from a pull cord on the ceiling. the guys grab it to buff spots as the cars go down the line. its def built like a beast......if thats what you need
I am one that likes quality tools even if I don't use it everyday but that's just me. Buy once, cry once. The thing for me is even if you don't use it everyday when I do need it I want it to work and if you decide to sell a tool you'll get more for a quality unit.
Just my 2 cents.
Just my 2 cents.